AcademySergeiDiaghilevBalletsRusses EB MU COVER 2160x1080

Free Academy. Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes. The Artists who conquered Paris

Starting date: May 3, 2025

Academy Courses are FREE TO JOIN 

And Tip-Supported

Key Points

Explore the FREE Academy Courses Catalog

Discover Active Courses and what is about to come! View the Full Listing.

Course Description

Sergei Diaghilev was more than an impresario – he was a visionary who transformed ballet into a modern art form. This series explores his extraordinary life, the legendary dancers he nurtured, and the groundbreaking collaborations that made the Ballets Russes a cultural phenomenon. From his personal journey and artistic ambitions to the stories of prima ballerinas and iconic male dancers, we will uncover the human drama behind the stage. The final lecture celebrates the composers, artists, and designers who shaped the Ballets Russes’ unmistakable style, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire dancers and creators today.

Lesson 1 - Sergei Diaghilev: The Man Who Revolutionized Ballet

May 3rd, 2025

This lecture explores the life and legacy of Sergei Diaghilev, from his early years in Russia to his rise as a pioneering impresario in the West. We will examine his personal life, his passion for the arts, and his career as the founder of the Ballets Russes. By producing legendary ballets such as The FirebirdPetrushka, and The Rite of Spring, Diaghilev reshaped the world of dance, bringing together the greatest talents in choreography, music, and visual arts. His influence extended far beyond ballet, leaving an indelible mark on modern art and culture.

Duration: approximately 1h

Lesson 2 - Prima Ballerinas of the Ballets Russes: The Women Who Shaped a New Era

May 10th, 2025

Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes gave rise to some of the most celebrated ballerinas of the 20th century. This session delves into the lives and careers of Anna Pavlova, Tamara Karsavina, and Ida Rubinstein, among others, exploring their contributions to dance and their collaborations with Diaghilev. Their stories—filled with artistic triumphs, dramatic departures, and enduring legacies—highlight the evolution of ballet during this revolutionary period.

Duration: approximately 1h

Lesson 3 - Legends of the Stage: The Male Dancers of the Ballets Russes

May 17th, 2025

From the electrifying performances of Vaslav Nijinsky to the elegant brilliance of Serge Lifar, the Ballets Russes produced some of the most iconic male dancers in history. This lecture explores their stories, including the artistic breakthroughs, personal struggles, and the innovative choreography that redefined the role of male dancers in ballet. Other key figures such as Léonide Massine and Anton Dolin will also be discussed, showing how Diaghilev’s vision propelled them to stardom.
Duration: approximately 1h

Lesson 4 - A Symphony of Art: The Composers, Artists, and Designers of the Ballets Russes

May 24th, 2025

Diaghilev’s genius was in uniting the most visionary minds of his time. This session highlights his collaborations with groundbreaking composers such as Igor Stravinsky, Claude Debussy, and Sergei Prokofiev, as well as avant-garde artists and designers like Léon Bakst, Pablo Picasso, and Coco Chanel. Through their collective work, the Ballets Russes became a true fusion of music, movement, and visual art, shaping the future of performance and stage design.
Duration: approximately 1h

Replay Lessons​

Free Academy - Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes Lesson 1 - 2025-05-03T18:55:32Z.mp4

Free Academy - Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes Lesson 2 - 2025-05-10T19:00:20Z.mp4

320
Anna Levina - WVT ISRAEL AND RUSSIA LICENSED TOUR GUIDE

Tutor: Anna Levina

Anna is an expert historian and licensed tour guide with a passion for cultural exploration and storytelling. A licensed guide in St. Petersburg, Russia, she made the difficult decision to leave her hometown due to the Russo-Ukrainian War and her strong stance against her country's government. She moved to Israel where she became a licensed tour guide for the Holy Land as well.

Explore the FREE Academy Courses Catalog

Discover Active Courses and what is about to come! View the Full Listing.
graphic05 free img.png